Abstract
Introduction: Stroke rehabilitation and caregivers training is central to improve post stroke care and reduce caregivers’ burden. Mobile applications(app) may provide a patient and caregiver centric modality to improve stroke care Aim: To develop and evaluate feasibility of a medical application for delivering post stroke care. Methods: A mobile app was developed on an android operating system following a preliminary assessment of post stroke complications to train caregivers. App consists of videos of home based care strategies for bedsore prevention, feeding, mouth care, ROM exercises, catheter care, psychological support to patients etc. App includes awareness videos on stroke, problems faced after stroke, follow up schedule, feedback option. App feasibility was assessed among 25 bedridden stroke survivors and their caregivers selected purposely. App validation was done by 16 stroke experts including neurologists, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists using semi-structured-questionnaire for data collection. Following this, final "Stroke Home Care" app was developed. Results Feasibility: Mean age of patients and caregivers was 52.6±14.8 and 32.4±8.9years, respectively. 64% patients females, 75% caregivers males. 56% lived in rural. Median NIHSS 14 (IQR: 12-17). Complications were 56% Ryle’s tube, 72% Foley’s catheter, 12% bedsore. 64% caregivers were graduates. 52% sons. All caregivers responded that app contents, videos and language was understandable and appropriate. 92% preferred ‘Hindi’ language. All agreed to App enhancing their stroke knowledge. All were satisfied. Validation: Mean age of experts was 33.2±4years. 75% females. 56% nursing experts and postgraduates,19% MDs. 50% Nursing teachers, 19% Neurology fellows. None faced any app installation problem. 81.3% experts highly satisfied with app functions, its contents, voice clarity, video clarity and duration, contents’ sequence, understandability. Discussion/Conclusion: “Stroke Home Care” App is feasible, pragmatic and user-friendly for use by caregivers of stroke survivors in a resource limited setting/developing country. It should be tested by an RCT to evaluate its efficacy in reducing post stroke complications and reducing caregivers’ burden.
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